Man admits killing Willenhall Wetherspoons worker Matthew Powney
A 27-year-old man has admitted killing Matthew Powney, who suffered fatal head injuries outside the pub where he had worked for seven years.
Shaun Addison, who had originally been charged with murder, admitted manslaughter when he appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday and was remanded in custody to be sentenced on November 23.
Mr Powney, who was aged 31, was found near The Malthouse Wetherspoons pub in New Road, Willenhall, by police called to reports of a fight at around midnight on July 9 this year.
He died in hospital later the same day.
Tributes poured in after the tragedy and more than £6,400 was raised in an online fundraising bid to help provide financial security for his partner and daughter.
Addison, from Furzebank Way, Willenhall, had denied murder and was due to stand trial but the prosecution accepted his guilty plea to manslaughter at a review hearing.
Detectives investigating the death recently issued an appeal for two potential witnesses of the incident to come forward.
Both were passengers on a 529 bus, which was in the area around the time of the incident.
Following his death, Wetherspoon said in a statement: "Matt worked for the company for more than seven years and was highly regarded and liked by both staff and customers at The Malthouse in Willenhall where he worked. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and friends."
